Use of body-worn radar for biometric measurements, contextual awareness and identification

ABSTRACT

A method for utilizing radar from wireless earpieces includes activating one or more radar sensors of the wireless earpieces, performing radar measurements of a user using the one or more radar sensors of the wireless earpieces, and analyzing the radar measurements to determine pulsatile measurements associated with the user, the analyzing performed using a processor of the wireless earpieces.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/516,476, filed Jun. 7, 2017, entitled “Use of body-worn radar forbiometric measurements, contextual awareness and identification” andhereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wearable devices. More particularly,but not exclusively, the present invention relates to wirelessearpieces.

BACKGROUND

Wearable devices including wireless earpieces or hearables hold greatpromise. What is needed are new and improved wearable devices thatprovide meaningful additional functionality and features which benefitusers.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage to improve overthe state of the art.

It is a further object, feature, or advantage to provide a wirelessearpiece or a set of wireless earpieces with enhanced functionality.

It is a still further object, feature, or advantage to provide awireless earpiece or a set of wireless earpieces which providemeaningful benefits to users.

Another object, feature, or advantage is to provide a wireless earpieceor a set of wireless earpieces which provide for biometric measurementsof a user.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage is to provide a wirelessearpiece or a set of wireless earpieces which provide contextualawareness.

A further object, feature, or advantage is to provide a wirelessearpiece of a set of wireless earpieces which provide for identificationof a user.

One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages willbecome apparent from the present application. No single embodiment needprovide each and every object, feature, or advantage as differentembodiments may have different objects, features, or advantages.Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited by or to theseobjects, features, or advantages.

According to one aspect, a method for utilizing radar from wirelessearpieces includes steps of activating one or more radar sensors of thewireless earpieces, performing radar measurements of a user using theone or more radar sensors of the wireless earpieces, and analyzing theradar measurements to determine pulsatile measurements associated withthe user, the analyzing performed using a processor of the wirelessearpieces. The one or more radar sensors are internally focused on anear of the user. The one or more radar sensors may be encompassed by ahousing or frame of the wireless earpieces. The one or more radarsensors include a first set of sensors that are internally focusedtoward the user and a second set of sensors that are externally focusedaway from the user. The method may further include comparing a baselineradar signature of the user with a radar signature read by the one ormore radar sensors to identify the user.

According to another aspect, a wireless earpiece is provided. Thewireless earpiece may include an earpiece housing for fitting in an earof a user, a processor controlling functionality of the wirelessearpiece, a plurality of sensors to perform sensor measurements of theuser, wherein the plurality of sensors include one or more radarsensors, and a transceiver capable of communicating with at least awireless device. The processor may activate the one or more radarsensors to perform radar measurements, and analyze the radarmeasurements to determine pulsatile measurements associated with theuser. The one or more radar sensors may include internally andexternally facing radar sensors. The processor may compare a baselineradar signature of the user with a radar signature read by the one ormore radar sensors to identify the user. The pulsatile measurements mayinclude one or more of heart rate, heart rate variability, blood flowvelocity, blood pressure, and respiration rate. The processor mayisolate a Doppler frequency of a blood flow velocity from a compositesignal represented by the radar measurements. The processor maydetermine the motion of the wireless earpiece, and positioning of thewireless earpiece relative to a head of the user.

According to another aspect, a wireless earpiece includes an earpiecehousing adapted to fit into an ear of a user, a processor for executinga set of instructions, the processor disposed within the earpiecehousing, at least one radar sensor operatively connected to theprocessor, and a memory operatively connected to the processor forstoring the set of instructions, wherein the instructions are executedto activate one or more of the at least one radar sensors of thewireless earpieces, perform radar measurements of the user, and analyzethe radar measurements to determine pulsatile measurements associatedwith the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communication system.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of sensors of the wirelessearpieces.

FIG. 3 is pictorial representation of a right wireless earpiece and aleft wireless earpiece of a wireless earpiece set.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of wireless earpieces.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for performing radar measurements ofa user utilizing wireless earpieces.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for generating alerts in response toexternal radar measurements performed by the wireless earpieces.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for performing radar measurements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments provide a system, method, and wirelessearpieces for utilizing radar to detect user biometrics, identifying theuser, and providing contextual awareness. In one embodiment, thewireless earpieces may be worn to provide media content to a user andmay also capture user biometrics utilizing any number of sensors. Thesensors may include a radar sensor that may be utilized to detectbiometrics, such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygenation, heartrate variability, blood velocity, and so forth. The radar sensor mayalso detect the orientation, location, motion, and distances of thewireless earpieces as well as the wireless earpieces relative to otherelectronic devices (e.g., paired, linked, communicating devices, etc.).The wireless earpieces may represent any number of shapes andconfigurations, such as wireless earbuds or a wireless headset.

The radar sensor may be configured as an active, passive, or combinationsensor. In various embodiments, the radar sensor may be internally orexternally focused. For example, internally focused radar sensors mayperform any number of measurements, readings, or functions including,but not limited to, measuring/tracking the motion and orientation of auser or other target/body (e.g., translational, rotational displacement,velocity, acceleration, etc.), determining material properties of atarget/body (e.g., glass, steel, wood, density, etc.), and determining aphysical structure of a target/body (e.g., layer analysis, depthmeasurements, material composition, external and internal shape,construction of an object, etc.). The specific measurements of thewireless earpieces may be focused on user biometrics, such as heartrate, blood flow velocity, status of the wireless earpieces (e.g., worn,in storage, positioned on a desk, etc.), identification of the user, andso forth. The utilization of radar in the wireless earpieces may bebeneficial because of insensitivity to ambient light, skin pigmentation,and because direct sensor-user contact is not required. The utilizationof radar sensors may also allow the sensors to be completelyencapsulated, enclosed, or otherwise integrated in the wirelessearpieces shielding the radar sensors from exposure to sweat/fluids,water, dirt, and dust.

The illustrative embodiments may utilize the Doppler frequency of theblood flow velocity determined from a composite signal detected by thesensors of the wireless earpieces. Utilization of radar sensors mayprovide for more reliable detection of whether the wireless earpiecesare being worn in the ears of the user. The wireless earpieces may alsoself-determine a location, such as in a pocket, on a desk, in a hand, ina bag, in a smart charger, within a container, or so forth. The locationdetermined by the radar sensors may also be synchronized with a wirelessdevice in the event the user forgets or misplaces the wireless earpiecesso that a record of the last known position or estimated position isrecorded.

The illustrative embodiments may also determine whether the user is anauthorized user utilizing a radar signature determined by the radarsensors. For example, the radar sensors may determine the size and shapeof the users inner and outer ear as well as other facial structures,such as cheek shape, jaw bone and muscle arrangements, and so forth. Inaddition, the wireless earpieces may be utilized alone or as a set. Whenutilized as a set, the signals or determinations may be combined todetermine information, such as the orientation of the left wirelessearpiece and the right wireless earpiece relative to one another and theuser's head, distance between the wireless earpieces, motion of thewireless earpieces relative to one another and the user's head, and soforth. In one embodiment, the radar measurements may measurephysiological parameters from which a pulsatile component (e.g., heartrate) may be determined.

The illustrative embodiments may also be applicable to any number ofother wearable devices, systems, or components, such as smart watches,headsets, electronic clothing/shoes, anklets, or so forth. As noted,both internally facing (toward the user) and externally facing radarsensors may be utilized. The wireless earpieces may communicate with anynumber of communications or computing devices (e.g., cell phones, smarthelmets, vehicles, emergency beacons, smart clothing, emergency servicepersonnel, designated contacts, etc.).

The radar sensors may utilize continuous wave and pulsed wavecommunications (active detection) as well as ambient environmentalsignals, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and so forth. For example, a Dopplersignal may be utilized to detect a heart rate based on detected motion(e.g., rotation, displacement, deformation, acceleration, fluid-flowvelocity, vortex shedding Poiseuille's law, Navier Stoke's equations,etc.).

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications environment 100in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The wireless earpieces102 may be configured to communicate with each other and with one ormore wireless devices, such as a wireless device 104 or a personalcomputer 118. The wireless earpieces 102 may be worn by a user 106 andare shown both as worn and separately from their positioning within theears of the user 106 for purposes of visualization. A block diagram ofthe wireless earpieces 102 if further shown in FIG. 4 to furtherillustrate components and operation of the wireless earpieces 102including the radar systems or components. The wireless earpieces 102may be shaped and configured as wireless earbuds, wireless headphones107, or other headpieces, personal speaker/communications devices, orearpieces any of which may be referred to generally as wirelessearpieces 102.

The headphones 107 may include sensors that are not within the earcanal. The headphones 107 may include sensors that are integrated withan over-head support, ear pads/cups, a frame, or so forth. Thebiometrics may be measured from the user's head (e.g., ears, neck, ears,scalp, skin, etc.) or body. The information may also be associated withthe environment, user activity/actions, ambient, or so forth.

In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces 102 includes a housing orframe 108 shaped to fit substantially within the ears of the user 106.The housing or frame 108 is a support structure that at least partiallyencloses and houses the electronic components of the wireless earpieces102. The frame 108 may be composed of a single structure (e.g., plasticor composite molding) or multiple structures that are interconnected.The frame 108 protects the components of the wireless earpieces 102 andmay flex or deform slightly when dropped on or stepped on to protect theinternal components. An exterior portion of the wireless earpieces 102may include a first set of sensors shown as infrared sensors 109. Theinfrared sensors 109 may include emitter and receivers that detects andmeasures infrared light radiating from objects in its field of view. Theinfrared sensors 109 may detect gestures, touches, or other user inputagainst an exterior portion of the wireless earpieces 102 that isvisible when worn by the user 106. The infrared sensors 109 may alsodetect infrared light or motion. The infrared sensors 109 may beutilized to determine whether the wireless earpieces 102 are being worn,moved, approached by a user, set aside, stored in a smart case, placedin a dark environment, or so forth.

The frame 108 defines an extension 110 configured to fit substantiallywithin the ear of the user 106. The extension 110 may include one ormore speakers or vibration components for interacting with the user 106.All or portions of the extension 110 may be removable covered by one ormore sleeves. The sleeves may be changed to fit the size and shape ofthe user's ears. The sleeves may come in various sizes and haveextremely tight tolerances to fit the user 106 and one or more otherusers that may utilize the wireless earpieces 102 during their expectedlifecycle. In another embodiment, the sleeves may be custom built tosupport the interference fit utilized by the wireless earpieces 102while also being comfortable while worn. The sleeves are shaped andconfigured to not cover various sensor devices of the wireless earpieces102.

In one embodiment, the frame 108 or the extension 110 (or other portionsof the wireless earpieces 102) may include sensors 112 for sensing heartrate, blood oxygenation, temperature, heart rate variability, bloodvelocity, voice characteristics, skin conduction, glucose levels,impacts, activity level, position, motion, particulates, chemicalcontent, location, orientation, as well as any number of internal orexternal user biometrics. The sensors 112 may be partially or completelyencompassed or integrated with the frame 108 or the extension 110. Inother embodiments, the sensors 112 may be positioned to contact or beproximate the epithelium of the external auditory canal or auricularregion of the user's ears when worn. For example, the sensors 112 mayrepresent various metallic sensor contacts, optical interfaces, radar,or even micro-delivery systems for receiving, measuring, and deliveringinformation and signals. Small electrical charges, the Doppler effect,or spectroscopy emissions (e.g., various light wavelengths) may beutilized by the sensors 112 to analyze the biometrics of the user 106including pulse, blood pressure, skin conductivity, blood analysis,sweat levels, and so forth. In one embodiment, the sensors 112 mayinclude optical sensors that may emit and measure reflected light withinthe ears of the user 106 to measure any number of biometrics. Theoptical sensors may also be utilized as a second set of sensors todetermine when the wireless earpieces 102 are in use, stored, charging,or otherwise positioned.

In one embodiment, the sensors 112 may include a radar sensor 114 (thesensors 112 and the radar sensor 114 may also be included in theheadphone 107). The radar sensor 114 may be at least partially enclosedor encompassed within a housing or frame 108. The radar sensor 114 maydetect gestures or micro gestures performed by the user. In anotherembodiment, the radar sensor 114 may be a separate sensing componentproximate the sensors 112 or positioned at one or more locationsproximate the skin or tissue of the user. The radar sensor 114 mayutilize any number of radar signals, bands, waves, or technologies(e.g., Google's Developing Project Soli). For example, the radar sensor114 may operate at approximately 60 GHz and scanning at 10 frames persecond. In some embodiments, the signal frequency/band (e.g., IEEE HF,VHF, UHF, L, S, C, X K, Ku, Ka, mm, V, W, F, D, G, Y, J, etc.), scanninginterval, and other variables may be automatically configured, manuallyset, or set based on application. For example, the radar sensor 114 mayinclude Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz, millimeter-wave, and/or terahertz radarsystems. The radar sensor 114 may implement an important role inmultimodal layered sensing systems targeted at measuring bothphysiological and behavioral biometric data. The illustrativeembodiments may utilize the radar sensor 114 to detect blood pressure,heart rate variability, blood velocity, user identification, and soforth. The radar sensor 114 of both the left wireless earpiece and theright wireless earpiece may work in combination to ensure accuratereadings are performed. The wireless earpieces 102 may utilizemathematic, error correction, and measurement processes, such asaveraging, sampling, medians, thresholds, or so forth to ensure that allmeasurements by the radar sensors 113 are accurate. The radar sensor 114may include logic, memory, transmitters, receivers, antennas (e.g., twoor more), amplifiers, circuits, filters, interfaces, ports, connectorsand so forth.

The sensors 112 may be utilized to provide relevant information that maybe communicated through the wireless earpieces 102. As described, thesensors 112 may include one or more microphones that may be integratedwith the frame 108 or the extension of the wireless earpieces 102. Forexample, an external microphone may sense environmental noises as wellas the user's voice as communicated through the air of thecommunications environment 100. An ear-bone or internal microphone maysense vibrations or sound waves communicated through the head of theuser 102 (e.g., bone conduction, etc.).

In some applications, temporary adhesives or securing mechanisms (e.g.,clamps, straps, lanyards, extenders, etc.) may be utilized to ensurethat the wireless earpieces 102 remain in the ears of the user 106 evenduring the most rigorous and physical activities or to ensure that ifthey do fall out, the wireless earpieces 102 are not lost or broken. Forexample, the wireless earpieces 102 may be utilized during marathons,swimming, team sports, biking, hiking, parachuting, or so forth. In oneembodiment, miniature straps may attach to the wireless earpieces 102with a clip on the strap securing the wireless earpieces to the clothes,hair, or body of the user. The wireless earpieces 102 may be configuredto play music or audio, receive and make phone calls or othercommunications, determine ambient environmental conditions (e.g.,temperature, altitude, location, speed, heading, etc.), read userbiometrics (e.g., heart rate, motion, temperature, sleep, bloodoxygenation, voice output, calories burned, forces experienced, etc.),and receive user input, feedback, or instructions. The wirelessearpieces 102 may also execute any number of applications to performspecific purposes. The wireless earpieces 102 may be utilized with anynumber of automatic assistants, such as Siri, Cortana, Alexa, Google,Watson, or other smart assistants/artificial intelligence systems.

The communications environment 100 may further include the personalcomputer 118. The personal computer 118 may communicate with one or morewired or wireless networks, such as a network 120. The personal computer118 may represent any number of devices, systems, equipment, orcomponents, such as a laptop, server, tablet, medical system, gamingdevice, virtual/augmented reality system, or so forth. The personalcomputer 118 may communicate utilizing any number of standards,protocols, or processes. For example, the personal computer 118 mayutilize a wired or wireless connection to communicate with the wirelessearpieces 102, the wireless device 104, or other electronic devices. Thepersonal computer 118 may utilize any number of memories or databases tostore or synchronize biometric information associated with the user 106,data, passwords, or media content.

The wireless earpieces 102 may determine their position with respect toeach other as well as the wireless device 104 and the personal computer118. The components of the sensors 112 as well as the sensors of thewireless device 104 and the personal computer may be utilized todetermine relative position, orientation, motion, and so forth. Forexample, position information for the wireless earpieces 102 and thewireless device 104 may determine proximity of the devices in thecommunications environment 100. For example, global positioninginformation, radar measurements, or signal strength/activity may beutilized to determine proximity and distance of the devices to eachother in the communications environment 100. In one embodiment, thedistance information may be utilized to determine whether biometricanalysis may be displayed to a user. For example, the wireless earpieces102 may be required to be within four feet of the wireless device 104and the personal computer 118 in order to display biometric readings orreceive user input. The transmission power or amplification of receivedsignals may also be varied based on the proximity of the devices in thecommunications environment 100.

In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces 102 and the correspondingsensors 112 (whether internal or external) may be configured to take anumber of measurements or log information and activities during normalusage. This information, data, values, and determinations may bereported to the user or otherwise utilized as part of the virtualassistant. The sensor measurements may be utilized to extrapolate othermeasurements, factors, or conditions applicable to the user 106 or thecommunications environment 100. For example, the sensors 112 may monitorthe user's usage patterns or light sensed in the communicationsenvironment 100 to enter a full power mode in a timely manner. The user106 or another party may configure the wireless earpieces 102 directlyor through a connected device and application (e.g., mobile app with agraphical user interface) to set power settings (e.g., preferences,conditions, parameters, settings, factors, etc.) or to store or sharebiometric information, audio, and other data. In one embodiment, theuser may establish the light conditions or motion that may activate thefull power mode or that may keep the wireless earpieces 102 in a sleepor low power mode. As a result, the user 106 may configure the wirelessearpieces 102 to maximize the battery life based on motion, lightingconditions, and other factors established for the user. For example, theuser 106 may set the wireless earpieces 102 to enter a full power modeonly if positioned within the ears of the user 106 within ten seconds ofbeing moved, otherwise the wireless earpieces 102 remain in a low powermode to preserve battery life. This setting may be particularly usefulif the wireless earpieces 102 are periodically moved or jostled withoutbeing inserted into the ears of the user 106. Any of the sensors 112including the radar sensor 114 may be utilized to perform the respectivedeterminations.

The user 106 or another party may also utilize the wireless device 104to associate user information and conditions with the user preferences.For example, an application executed by the wireless device 104 may beutilized to specify the conditions (e.g., user biometrics read by thesensors 112) that may “wake up” the wireless earpieces 102 toautomatically or manually communicate information, warnings, data, orstatus information to the user. Initial readings may also be recorded bythe sensors 112 to create an identification and authorization profileincluding data, information, and measurements. The measurements mayinclude voice analysis, height analysis, skin reflectivity, skinconductivity, radar profile, optical profile, and so forth. For example,the radar sensor 114 may be utilized to create a radar profile of theuser's ear/head for automatically identifying the user when wearing thewireless earpieces 102. In addition, the enabled functions or components(e.g., sensors, transceivers, vibration alerts, speakers, lights, etc.)may be selectively activated based on the user preferences as set bydefault, by the user, or based on historical information. In anotherembodiment, the wireless earpieces 102 may be adjusted or trained overtime to become even more accurate in adjusting to authenticationinformation, habits, requirements, requests, activations, or otherprocesses or functions performed by the wireless earpieces 102 for theuser (e.g., applications, virtual assistants, etc.).

The wireless earpieces 102 may utilize historical information togenerate default values, baselines, thresholds, policies, or settingsfor determining when and how various communications, actions, andprocesses are implemented. As a result, the wireless earpieces 102 mayeffectively manage the automatic and manually performed processes of thewireless earpieces 102 based on automatic detection of events andconditions (e.g., light, motion, user sensor readings, etc.) and userspecified settings. For example, the authorization information may beutilized to subsequently identify the user and perform authentication.

As previously noted, the wireless earpieces 102 may include any numberof sensors 112 and logic for measuring and determining user biometrics,such as pulse rate, skin conduction, blood oxygenation, blood velocity,skin/tissue/organ displacement, blood pressure, heart rate variability,blood velocity, temperature, calories expended, blood or excretionchemistry, voice and audio output, position, and orientation (e.g.,body, head, etc.). The sensors 112 may also determine the user'slocation, position, velocity, impact levels, and so forth. Any of thesensors 112 may be utilized to detect or confirm light, motion, or otherparameters that may affect how the wireless earpieces 102 manage,utilize, and initialize various processes, components, and functions.The sensors 112 may also receive user input and convert the user inputinto commands or selections made across the personal devices of thepersonal area network. For example, the user input detected by thewireless earpieces 102 may include voice commands, head motions, fingertaps, finger swipes, motions or gestures, or other user inputs sensed bythe wireless earpieces. The user input may be determined by the wirelessearpieces 102 and converted into authorization commands that may be sentto one or more external devices, such as the wireless device 104, thepersonal computer 118, a tablet computer, or so forth. For example, theuser 106 may create a specific head motion and voice command that whendetected by the wireless earpieces 102 are utilized to send a request(implemented by the wireless earpiece or wireless earpieces 102/wirelessdevice 104) to provide the user information or options, such as hercurrent heart rate, speed, approaching objects, and location. In anotherexample, the sensors 112 may prepare the wireless earpieces for animpact in response to determining the wireless earpieces 102 are freefalling or have been dropped (e.g., device power down, actuatorcompression/shielding of sensitive components, etc.).

The sensors 112 may make all of the measurements with regard to the user106 and communications environment 100 or may communicate with anynumber of other sensory devices, components, or systems in thecommunications environment 100. In one embodiment, the communicationsenvironment 100 may represent all or a portion of a personal areanetwork. The wireless earpieces 102 may be utilized to control,communicate, manage, or interact with a number of other wearable devicesor electronics, such as smart glasses, helmets, smart glass, watches orwrist bands, other wireless earpieces, chest straps, implants, displays,clothing, or so forth. A personal area network is a network for datatransmissions among devices, components, equipment, and systems, such aspersonal computers, communications devices, cameras, vehicles,entertainment/media devices, and medical devices. The personal areanetwork may utilize any number of wired, wireless, or hybridconfigurations and may be stationary or dynamic. For example, thepersonal area network may utilize wireless network protocols orstandards, such as INSTEON, IrDA, Wireless USB, Bluetooth, Z-Wave,ZigBee, Wi-Fi, ANT+ or other applicable radio frequency signals. In oneembodiment, the personal area network may move with the user 106.

In other embodiments, the communications environment 100 may include anynumber of devices, components, or so forth that may communicate witheach other directly or indirectly through a wireless (or wired)connection, signal, or link. The communications environment 100 mayinclude one or more networks and network components and devicesrepresented by the network 120, such as routers, servers, signalextenders, intelligent network devices, computing devices, or so forth.In one embodiment, the network 120 of the communications environment 100represents a personal area network as previously disclosed.

Communications within the communications environment 100 may occurthrough the network 120 or may occur directly between devices, such asthe wireless earpieces 102 and the wireless device 104. The network 120may communicate with or include a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi,cellular (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, PCS, GSM, etc.), Bluetooth, or other shortrange or long range radio frequency networks, signals, connections, orlinks. The network 120 may also include or communicate with any numberof hard wired networks, such as local area networks, coaxial networks,fiber-optic networks, network adapters, or so forth. Communicationswithin the communications environment 100 may be operated by one or moreusers, service providers, or network providers.

The wireless earpieces 102 may play, display, communicate, or utilizeany number of alerts or communications to indicate that the actions,activities, communications, mode, or status in use or being implemented.For example, one or more alerts may indicate when various processes areimplemented automatically or manually selected by the user. The alertsmay indicate when actions are in process, authorized, and/or changingwith specific tones, verbal acknowledgements, tactile feedback, or otherforms of communicated messages. For example, an audible alert and LEDflash may be utilized each time the wireless earpieces 102 receive userinput. Verbal or audio acknowledgements, answers, and actions utilizedby the wireless earpieces 102 are effective because of user familiaritywith such devices in standard smart phone and personal computers. Thecorresponding alert may also be communicated to the user 106, thewireless device 104, and the personal computer 118.

In another embodiment, the wireless earpieces 102 may communicate aproximity, status change, location, or orientation alert based on themeasurements performed by the sensors 112. For example, if the heartrate has changed significantly (e.g., dangerous thresholds exceeded—lowor high), an alert may be sent to the user 106 or to one or moreconnected devices (e.g., wireless device 104, computer 118, etc.). Inanother example, an alert may be played in response to an approachingobject. The alerts may be utilized with any number of other systems toprotect or assist the user.

In other embodiments, the wireless earpieces 102 may also vibrate,flash, play a tone or other sound, or give other indications of theactions, status, or process implemented. The wireless earpieces 102 mayalso communicate an alert to the wireless device 104 that shows up as anotification, message, or other indicator indicating changes in status,actions, commands, or so forth. The type of alert may be specific to theindicated status, action, command or so forth. For example, userpreferences may allow the user to specify how and when each alert isutilized.

The wireless earpieces 102 as well as the wireless device 104 mayinclude logic for automatically implementing the virtual assistant inresponse to motion, light, user activities, user biometric status, userlocation, user position, historical activity/requests, or various otherconditions and factors of the communications environment 100. Thevirtual assistant may be activated to perform a specified activity or to“listen” or be prepared to “receive” user input, feedback, or commandsfor implementation by the virtual assistant.

The wireless device 104 may represent any number of wireless or wiredelectronic communications or computing devices, such as smart phones,laptops, desktop computers, servers, entertainment systems, controlsystems, tablets, displays, gaming devices, music players, personaldigital assistants, vehicle systems, or so forth. The wireless device104 may communicate utilizing any number of wireless connections,standards, or protocols (e.g., near field communications, NFMI,Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wireless Ethernet, etc.). For example, the wirelessdevice 104 may be a touch screen cellular phone that communicates withthe wireless earpieces 102 utilizing Bluetooth communications. Thewireless device 104 may implement and utilize any number of operatingsystems, kernels, instructions, or applications that may make use of theavailable sensor data sent from the wireless earpieces 102. For example,the wireless device 104 may represent any number of android, iOS,Windows, open platforms, or other systems and devices. Similarly, thewireless device 104 or the wireless earpieces 102 may execute any numberof applications that utilize the user input, proximity data, biometricdata, and other feedback from the wireless earpieces 102 to initiate,authorize, or process virtual assistant processes and perform theassociated tasks.

As noted, the layout of the internal components of the wirelessearpieces 102 and the limited space available for a product of limitedsize may affect where the sensors 112 may be positioned. The positionsof the sensors 112 within each of the wireless earpieces 102 may varybased on the model, version, and iteration of the wireless earpiecedesign and manufacturing process.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of some of the sensors 201 ofwireless earpieces 202 in accordance with illustrative embodiments. Aspreviously noted, the wireless earpieces 202 may include any number ofinternal or external sensors. In one embodiment, the sensors 201 may beutilized to determine user biometrics, environmental informationassociated with the wireless earpieces 202, and use status of thewireless earpieces 202. Similarly, any number of other components orfeatures of the wireless earpieces 202 may be managed based on themeasurements made by the sensors 201 to preserve resources (e.g.,battery life, processing power, etc.), gather additional information,and so forth. The sensors 201 may make independent measurements orcombined measurements utilizing the sensory functionality of each of thesensors 201 to measure, confirm, or verify sensor measurements. Forexample, the wireless earpieces 202 may represent a set or pair ofwireless earpieces or the left wireless earpiece and the right wirelessearpiece that may operate independent of each other as situations mayrequire.

In one embodiment, the sensors 201 may include optical sensors 204,contact sensors 206, infrared sensors 208, microphones 210, and radarsensors 212. The optical sensors 204 may generate an optical signal thatis communicated to the ear (or other body part) of the user andreflected back. The reflected optical signal may be analyzed todetermine blood pressure, pulse rate, pulse oximetry, vibrations, bloodchemistry, and other information about the user. The optical sensors 204may include any number of sources for outputting various wavelengths ofelectromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared, laser, etc.) and visiblelight. Thus, the wireless earpieces 202 may utilize spectroscopy as itis known in the art and developing to determine any number of userbiometrics.

The optical sensors 204 may also be configured to detect ambient lightproximate the wireless earpieces 202. For example, the optical sensors204 may detect light and light changes in an environment of the wirelessearpieces 202, such as in a room where the wireless earpieces 202 arelocated (utilizing optical sensors 204 that are internally andexternally positioned with regard to the body of the user). The opticalsensors 204 may be configured to detect any number of wavelengthsincluding visible light that may be relevant to light changes,approaching users or devices, and so forth.

In another embodiment, the optical sensors 204 may include any number ofcameras. The cameras may be front facing, side facing, rear facing,fisheye, 360°, or so forth. The cameras may be utilized to determineproximity of other users, structures, objects, or so forth. The camerasmay be equipped with facial, character, or object recognition forrecognizing people, places, hand or body gestures, objects, or otherapplicable information. The measurements, images, or video captured bythe optical sensors 204 may be processed, analyzed, queued, or saved forsubsequent usage.

In another embodiment, the contact sensors 206 may be utilized todetermine that the wireless earpieces 202 are positioned within the earsof the user. For example, conductivity of skin or tissue within theuser's ear may be utilized to determine that the wireless earpieces arebeing worn. In other embodiments, the contact sensors 206 may includepressure switches, toggles, or other mechanical detection components fordetermining that the wireless earpieces 202 are being worn. The contactsensors 206 may measure or provide additional data points and analysisthat may indicate the biometric information of the user. The contactsensors 206 may also be utilized to apply electrical, vibrational,motion, or other input, impulses, or signals to the skin of the user todetect utilization or positioning.

The wireless earpieces 202 may also include infrared sensors 208. Theinfrared sensors 208 may be utilized to detect touch, contact, gestures,or other user input. The infrared sensors 208 may detect infraredwavelengths and signals. In another embodiment, the infrared sensors 208may detect visible light or other wavelengths as well. The infraredsensors 208 may be configured to detect light or motion or changes inlight or motion. Readings from the infrared sensors 208 and the opticalsensors 204 may be configured to detect light, gestures, or motion. Thereadings may be compared to verify or otherwise confirm light or motion.As a result, decisions regarding user input, biometric readings,environmental feedback, and other measurements may be effectivelyimplemented in accordance with readings form the sensors 201 as well asother internal or external sensors and the user preferences. Theinfrared sensors 208 may also include touch sensors integrated with orproximate the infrared sensors 208 externally available to the user whenthe wireless earpieces 202 are worn by the user.

The wireless earpieces 202 may include microphones 210. The microphones210 may represent external microphones as well as internal microphones.The external microphones may be positioned exterior to the body of theuser as worn. The external microphones may sense verbal or audio input,feedback, and commands received from the user. The external microphonesmay also sense environmental, activity, additional users (e.g., clients,jury members, judges, attorneys, paramedics, etc.), and external noisesand sounds. The internal microphone may represent an ear-bone orbone-conduction microphone. The internal microphone may sensevibrations, waves, or sound communicated through the bones and tissue ofthe user's body (e.g., skull). The microphones 210 may sense input,feedback, and content that is utilized by the wireless earpieces 202 toimplement the processes, functions, and methods herein described. Theaudio input sensed by the microphones 210 may be filtered, amplified, orotherwise processed before or after being sent to the processor/logic ofthe wireless earpieces 202.

In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces 202 may include the radarsensors 212. The radar sensors 212 may include or utilize pulse radar,continuous wave radar, active, passive, laser, ambient electromagneticfield, or radio frequency radiation or signals or any number of otherradar methodologies, systems, processes, or components. In oneembodiment, the radar sensors 212 may utilize ultrasonic pulse probesthat rely on the Doppler effect or ultra-wide band sensing to detect therelative motion of blow flow of the user from the wireless earpieces202. In one embodiment, the physiological measurements performed by theradar sensors 212 may be limited to the ear of the user. In anotherembodiment, the radar sensors 212 may be able to measure otherbiometrics, such as heart motion, respiration, and so forth. Forexample, the radar sensors 212 may include a radar seismocardiogram(R-SCG) that utilizes radio frequency integrated circuits with thewireless earpieces 202 to measure user biometrics with small, low-powerradar units. The radar sensors 212 may also be utilized to biometricallyidentify the user utilizing the structure, reflective properties, orconfiguration of the user's ear, head, and/or body (similar toutilization of fingerprints). For example, the radar sensors 212 mayperform analysis to determine whether the user is an authorized orverified user.

In one embodiment, the radar sensors 212 may include one or more of asynchronizer, modulator, transmitter, duplexer, receiver, and otherradar components. The transmitter and receiver may be at the samelocation (monostatic radar) within the wireless earpieces 202 or may beintegrated at different locations (bistatic radar). The radar sensors212 may be configured to utilize different carrier, pulse widths, pulserepetition frequencies, polarizations, filtering (e.g., matchedfiltering, clutter, signal-to-noise ratio), or so forth. In oneembodiment, the radar sensors 212 may be integrated circuits or chipsthat performs Doppler based measurements of blood flow.

The radar sensor 212 may include inwardly facing and externally facingradar. For example, internally facing radar may be utilized to measureuser biometrics. Externally facing radar may measure user information,environmental information, and other applicable information and data.

The illustrative embodiments may include some or all of the sensors 201described herein. In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces 102 mayinclude the radar sensors 212 without the optical sensors 204 andinfrared sensors 208. In one embodiment, the radar sensors 212 mayutilize the signals from transceivers already integrated into thewireless earpieces 102 to generate a signal and receive thecorresponding reflection. The radar sensors 212 may also represent sonaror ultrasound sensors.

In another embodiment, the wireless earpieces 202 may include chemicalsensors (not shown) that perform chemical analysis of the user's skin,excretions, blood, or any number of internal or external tissues orsamples. For example, the chemical sensors may determine whether thewireless earpieces 202 are being worn by the user. The chemical sensormay also be utilized to monitor important biometrics that may be moreeffectively read utilizing chemical samples (e.g., sweat, blood,excretions, etc.). In one embodiment, the chemical sensors arenon-invasive and may only perform chemical measurements and analysisbased on the externally measured and detected factors. In otherembodiments, one or more probes, vacuums, capillary action components,needles, or other micro-sampling components may be utilized. Minuteamounts of blood or fluid may be analyzed to perform chemical analysisthat may be reported to the user and others. The sensors 201 may includeparts or components that may be periodically replaced or repaired toensure accurate measurements. In one embodiment, the infrared sensors208 may be a first sensor array and the optical sensors 204 may be asecond sensor array.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of a right wireless earpiece 302and a left wireless earpiece 304 of a wireless earpiece set 300 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. For example, the rightwireless earpiece 302 is shown as it relates to a user's or thirdparty's right ear and the left wireless earpiece 304 is shown as itrelates to a user's or third party's left ear. The user or third partymay interact with the right wireless earpiece 302 or the left wirelessearpiece 304 by either providing a gesture sensed by a gesture interface306, a voice command sensed via a microphone 308, or by one or more heador neck motions which may be sensed by an inertial sensor 309, such as aMEMS gyroscope, magnetometer, or an electronic accelerometer.

In one embodiment, the gesture interface 306 may include one or moreoptical sensors, touch/capacitive sensors, or so forth. The microphone308 may represent one or more over-air and/or bone conductionmicrophones. The air-based microphone may be positioned on an exteriorof the right wireless earpiece 302 and left wireless earpiece 304 whenworn by the user. The bone conduction microphone may be positioned on aninterior portion of the right wireless earpiece 302 or the left wirelessearpiece 304 to abut the skin, tissues, and bones of the user.

The wireless earpiece set 300 may include one or more radar sensors foreach of the right wireless earpiece and the left wireless earpiece. Inone embodiment (not shown), the right wireless earpiece 302 and the leftwireless earpiece 304 may each include a single radar unit. As shown,the right wireless earpiece 302 and the left wireless earpiece 304 mayeach include a first radar unit 310 and a second radar unit 312. In oneembodiment, the first radar unit 310 and the second radar unit 312 maybe completely enclosed within a frame 314 of the right wireless earpiece302 and the left wireless earpiece 304. In another embodiment, the firstradar unit 310 and the second radar unit 312 may be positioned flushwith an outer edge of the frame 314. In yet another embodiment, thefirst radar unit 310 and the second radar unit 312 may protrude slightlyfrom an outer edge of the frame 314.

In one embodiment, the first radar unit 310 and the second radar unit312 may be positioned adjacent or proximate each other within each ofthe wireless earpieces 304, 306. For example, the first radar unit 310may transmit a signal and the second radar unit 312 may detect thereflections of the signal sent from the first radar unit 310. The rightwireless earpiece 302 and the left wireless earpiece 304 may performseparate measurements. The results corresponding to heart ratevariability or so forth may be processed, recorded, displayed, logged,or communicated separately or jointly based on the application, userpreferences, and so forth. For example, biometric results may beaveraged between measurements made by the first radar unit 310 andsecond radar unit 312 of the set of wireless earpieces 300.

In another embodiment, the first radar unit 310 and the second radarunit 312 may be positioned separately. For example, the first radar unit310 may broadcast a signal and the second radar unit 312 may receive thereflections (or vice versa). Different transmitting and separatingcomponents and positions may enhance effectiveness of the radar whilereducing noise and processing difficulties.

In other embodiments, the first radar unit 310 and the second radar unit312 may represent distinct radar units that utilize distinct signals andtarget body areas. For example, the first radar unit 310 and the secondradar unit 312 may be pointed toward different portions of the ear ofthe user. For example, the frequency, amplitude, phase, or othercharacteristics of the signals may be varied as needed to best detectthe applicable user biometric or environmental condition. The first andsecond radar units 310 and 312 may vary the frequency dynamically, basedon user input, or so forth.

For example, if the user wearing the right wireless earpiece 304receives an invitation to establish a connection, the user receiving theinvitation may accept the invitation by nodding his head, which may besensed by the inertial sensors 309, such as an electronic accelerometervia voltage changes due to capacitance differentials caused by thenodding of the head. In addition, the user may tap on or swipe acrossthe gesture interface 306 to bring up a menu from which to send, forexample, a preprogrammed reply or one or more pieces of media the thirdparty has selected to share with the user and/or one or more other thirdparties currently connected to the third party.

The left and right wireless earpiece 302 and 304 may be positionedwithin the ear canal 307 to minimize the distance between the rightwireless earpiece 304 and the user's tympanic membrane 314, such thatany sound communications received by the user are effectivelycommunicated to the user using the right wireless earpiece 304.

In another embodiment, externally facing radar may be integrated withthe gesture interface 306. The gesture interface 306 may include one ormore radar units including LIDAR, RF radar, or so forth. The radar unitsin the gesture interface 306 may be utilized to sense user input orfeedback, such as head motions, hand gestures, or so forth. In anotherembodiment, the radar units in the gesture interface may sense proximityto other people, vehicles, structures, objects, or so forth. Forexample, the radar units may detect a vehicle or object that may strikethe user from the side (e.g., a blind spot) and may give warnings oralerts (e.g., verbal alert “look to your left”, “watch out”, beeps inthe left wireless earpiece 302, etc.).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of wireless earpieces 400 in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. The description of the components,structure, functions, units, and other elements of the wirelessearpieces 400 may refer to a left wireless earpiece, a right wirelessearpiece, or both wireless earpieces 400 as a set or pair. All or aportion of the components shown for the wireless earpieces 400 may beincluded in each of the wireless earpieces. For example, some componentsmay be included in the left wireless earpiece, but not the rightwireless earpiece and vice versa. In another example, the wirelessearpieces 400 may not include all the components described herein forincreased space for batteries or so forth.

The wireless earpieces 400 are embodiment of wireless earpieces, such asthose shown in FIGS. 1-3 (e.g., wireless earpieces 104, 202, 204, 302,304). The wireless earpieces 400 may represent ear buds, on-earheadphones, or over-ear headphones that may be used jointly orseparately. Although not specifically shown, the components of thewireless earpieces 400 are connected utilizing any number of wires,traces, buses, interfaces, pins, ports, connectors, boards, receptacles,chip sets, or so forth.

The wireless earpieces 400 may include one or more light emitting diodes(LEDs) 402 electrically connected to a processor 404 or otherintelligent control system. The processor 404 is the logic that controlsthe operation and functionality of the wireless earpieces 400. Theprocessor 404 may include circuitry, chips, and other digital logic. Theprocessor 404 may also include programs, scripts, and instructions thatmay be implemented to operate the various components of the wirelessearpieces 400.

The processor 404 may represent hardware, software, firmware, or anycombination thereof. In one embodiment, the processor 404 may includeone or more processors or logic engines. For example, the processor 404may represent an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA). The processor 404 may utilizeinformation from the sensors 406 to determine the biometric information,data, and readings of the user. The processor 404 may utilize thisinformation and other criteria to inform the user of the biometrics(e.g., audibly, through an application of a connected device, tactilely,etc.) as well as communicate with other electronic devices wirelesslythrough the transceivers 450, 452, 454.

The processor 404 may also process user input to determine commandsimplemented by the wireless earpieces 400 or sent for processing throughthe transceivers 450, 452, 454. Specific actions may be associated withbiometric data thresholds. For example, the processor 404 may implementa macro allowing the user to associate biometric data as sensed by thesensors 406 with specified commands, user actions, responses, alerts,and so forth. In one example, if the wireless earpieces 400 determinethe user has been struck based on feedback from the sensors 406, theuser may be asked to verify her physical status and condition to ensureher well-being. A negative response or no response over a period of timemay be utilized to send an emergency communication requesting help orother assistance. In another example, if the temperature of the user isabove or below high and low thresholds, an audible alert may be playedto the user and a communication sent to an associated medical device forcommunication to one or more medical professionals. In one embodiment,the processor 404 may process radar data to identify user biometrics(e.g. blood pressure, heart rate variability, blood velocity, ear/headstructure, etc.), external conditions (e.g., approaching objects, userproximity to structures, people, objects, etc.), and other applicableinformation.

A memory 405 is a hardware element, device, or recording mediaconfigured to store data or instructions for subsequent retrieval oraccess at a later time. The memory 405 may represent static or dynamicmemory. The memory 405 may include a hard disk, random access memory,cache, removable media drive, mass storage, or configuration suitable asstorage for data, instructions, and information. In one embodiment, thememory 405 and the processor 404 may be integrated. The memory may useany type of volatile or non-volatile storage techniques and mediums. Thememory 405 may store information related to the status of a user,wireless earpieces 400, interconnected electronic device, and otherperipherals, such as a wireless device, smart glasses, smart watch,smart case for the wireless earpieces 400, wearable device, and soforth. In one embodiment, the memory 405 may display instructions,programs, drivers, or an operating system for controlling the userinterface including one or more LEDs or other light emitting components,speakers, tactile generators (e.g., vibrator), and so forth. The memory405 may also store the thresholds, conditions, or biometric data (e.g.,biometric and data library) associated with biometric events.

The processor 404 may also be electrically connected to one or moresensors 406. In one embodiment, the sensors 406 may include inertialsensors 408, 410 or other sensors that measure acceleration, angularrates of change, velocity, and so forth. For example, each inertialsensor 408, 410 may include an accelerometer, a gyro sensor orgyrometer, a magnetometer, a potentiometer, or other type of inertialsensor.

The sensors 406 may also include one or more contact sensors 412, one ormore bone conduction microphones 414, one or more air conductionmicrophones 416, one or more chemical sensors 418, a pulse oximeter 418,a temperature sensor 420, or other physiological or biological sensors422. Further examples of physiological or biological sensors 422 includean alcohol sensor 424, glucose sensor 426, or bilirubin sensor 428.Other examples of physiological or biological sensors 422 may also beincluded in the wireless earpieces 402. These may include a bloodpressure sensor 430, an electroencephalogram (EEG) 432, an AdenosineTriphosphate (ATP) sensor 434, a lactic acid sensor 436, a hemoglobinsensor 438, a hematocrit sensor 440, or other biological or chemicalsensor. In some embodiments, the sensors 406 embedded in the wirelessearpieces may be limited to basic sensors, such as contact sensors 412,bone conduction microphones 414, air conduction microphones 416, andradar sensors 429.

In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces 400 may include radar sensors429. As described herein, the radar sensors 429 may be positioned tolook toward the user wearing the wireless earpieces 400 or external toor away from the wireless earpieces 400. The radar sensors 429 may beconfigured to perform analysis or may capture information, data, andreadings in the form of reflected signals that may be processed by theprocessor 404. The radar sensors 429 may include Doppler radio,laser/optical radar, or so forth. The radar sensors 429 may beconfigured to perform measurements regardless of whether the wirelessearpieces 400 are being worn or not. In one embodiment, the wirelessearpieces 400 may include a modular radar unit that may be added to orremoved from the wireless earpieces 400. In other embodiments, a modularsensor unit may include the sensors 406 and may be removed, replaced,exchanged, or so forth. The modular sensor unit may allow the wirelessearpieces 400 to be adapted for specific purposes, functionality, orneeds. For example, the modular sensor unit may have contacts forinterfacing with the other portions of the components. The modularsensor unit may have an exterior surface that contacts the ear skin ortissue of the user for performing direct measurements.

In one embodiment, the radar sensors 429 may represent time-of-flightcameras or sensors. The time-of-flight camera may resolve distances Forexample, the time-of-flight camera utilized as part of the radar sensors429 may include an illumination unit (e.g., RF-modulated LEDs or laserdiodes), optics (e.g., one or more lenses, focal plane arrays, opticalfilters, etc.), image sensors, driver electronics, and computation logicor processor 404.

In one embodiment, the radar sensors 429 may be encompassed entirelywithin a frame of the wireless earpieces 400. The radar sensors 429 mayalso be entirely or partially enclosed by the frame to prevent dust,sweat, dirt, water, or other contaminants from damaging the radarsensors 429. In one embodiment, the radar sensors 429 may include afirst set of radar sensors for internal user radar measurements ofpulsatile measurements, including, but not limited to, heart rate, heartrate variability, blood flow velocity, blood pressure, and respirationrate, and a second set of radar sensors for external radar measurements(e.g., environment, objects, proximate parties, structures, etc.). Inone embodiment, the radar sensors 429 may generate a composite signalfrom the readings performed. A Doppler frequency of blood flow and otherpulsatile measurements (e.g., heart rate, heart rate variability, bloodflow velocity) may be determined from the composite signal.

The radar sensors 429 may determine the orientation and motion of thewireless earpieces 400 with regard to one another as well as the user'shead/body. The radar sensors 429 may also determine the distance betweenthe wireless earpieces 400. The radar sensors 429 may also identify auser utilizing the wireless earpieces 400 to determine whether it is anauthorized/registered user or a guest, unauthorized user, or otherparty. The radar signature for each user may vary based on the user'sear, head, and body shape and may be utilized to perform verificationand identification. For example, a baseline radar signature may bedetermined during a training or registration process that may beutilized by the wireless earpieces 400 (or other wireless earpieces) toidentify the user. Information measured or determined by the radarsensors 429 may be communicated utilizing audio, visual (e.g., LED,associated wireless device, etc.), tactile, or electrical alerts. Thealerts may be sent based on specified events, thresholds, activities orso forth. For example, if the heart rate variability exceeds a thresholdan alert may be sent to the user and any other third party

A spectrometer 442 is also shown. The spectrometer 442 may be aninfrared (IR) through ultraviolet (UV) spectrometer although it iscontemplated that any number of wavelengths in the infrared, visible, orultraviolet spectrums may be detected (e.g., X-ray, gamma, millimeterwaves, microwaves, radio, etc.). In one embodiment, the spectrometer 442is adapted to measure environmental wavelengths for analysis andrecommendations, and thus, may be located or positioned on or at theexternal facing side of the wireless earpieces 400.

A gesture control interface 444 is also operatively connected to theprocessor 404. The gesture control interface 444 may include one or moreemitters 446 and one or more detectors 448 for sensing user gestures.The emitters 446 may be of any number of types including infrared LEDs,lasers, and visible light. As noted, in one embodiment, the gesturecontrol interface 444 may include some of the radar sensors 429 as wellfor externally processing user input, environmental conditions, useractivities, and so forth.

The wireless earpieces may also include a number of transceivers 450,452, 454. The transceivers 450, 452, 454 are components including both atransmitter and receiver which may be combined and share commoncircuitry on a single housing. The transceivers 450, 452, 454 maycommunicate utilizing Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFMI, ZigBee, Ant+, near fieldcommunications, wireless USB, infrared, mobile body area networks,ultra-wideband communications, cellular (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, PCS, GSM,etc.), infrared, or other suitable radio frequency standards, networks,protocols, or communications. The transceivers 450, 452, 454 may also bea hybrid transceiver that supports a number of different communications.For example, the transceiver 450, 452, 454 may communicate with otherelectronic devices or other systems utilizing wired interfaces (e.g.,wires, traces, etc.), NFC or Bluetooth communications. For example, atransceiver 450 may allow for induction transmissions between wirelessearpieces 400 or other devices utilizing near field magnetic induction(NFMI).

Another transceiver 452 may utilize any number of short-rangecommunications signals, standards or protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, BLE,UWB, etc.), or other form of radio communication may also be operativelyconnected to the processor 404. The transceiver 452 may be utilized tocommunicate with any number of communications, computing, or networkdevices, systems, equipment, or components. The transceiver 452 may alsoinclude one or more antennas for sending and receiving signals.

In one embodiment, the transceiver 454 may be a magnetic inductionelectric conduction electromagnetic (E/M) transceiver or other type ofelectromagnetic field receiver or magnetic induction transceiver that isalso operatively connected to the processor 404 to link the processor404 to the electromagnetic field of the user. For example, the use ofthe transceiver 454 allows the device to link electromagnetically into apersonal area network, body area network, or other device.

In operation, the processor 404 may be configured to convey differentinformation using one or more of the LEDs 402 based on context or modeof operation of the device. The various sensors 406, the processor 404,and other electronic components may be located on the printed circuitboard of the device. One or more speakers 454 may also be operativelyconnected to the processor 404.

The wireless earpieces 400 may include a battery 456 that powers thevarious components to perform the processes, steps, and functions hereindescribed. The battery 456 is one or more power storage devicesconfigured to power the wireless earpieces 400. In other embodiments,the battery 208 may represent a fuel cell, thermal electric generator,piezo electric charger, solar charger, ultra-capacitor, or otherexisting or developing power storage technologies.

Although the wireless earpieces 400 shown includes numerous differenttypes of sensors and features, it is to be understood that each wirelessearpiece need only include a basic subset of this functionality. It isfurther contemplated that sensed data may be used in various waysdepending upon the type of data being sensed and the particularapplication(s) of the earpieces.

As shown, the wireless earpieces 400 may be wirelessly linked to anynumber of wireless or computing devices (including other wirelessearpieces) utilizing the transceivers 450, 452, 454. Data, user input,feedback, and commands may be received from either the wirelessearpieces 400 or the computing device for implementation on either ofthe devices of the wireless earpieces 400 (or other externally connecteddevices). As previously noted, the wireless earpieces 400 may bereferred to or described herein as a pair (wireless earpieces) orsingularly (wireless earpiece). The description may also refer tocomponents and functionality of each of the wireless earpieces 202collectively or individually.

In some embodiments, linked or interconnected devices may act as alogging tool for receiving information, data, or measurements made bythe wireless earpieces 400. For example, a linked computing device maydownload data from the wireless earpieces 400 in real-time. As a result,the computing device may be utilized to store, display, and synchronizedata for the wireless earpieces 400. For example, the computing devicemay display pulse rate, blood oxygenation, blood pressure, blood flowvelocity, heart rate variability, temperature, and so forth as measuredby the wireless earpieces 400. In this example, the computing device maybe configured to receive and display alerts that indicate a specifichealth event or condition has been met. For example, if the forcesapplied to the sensors 406 (e.g., accelerometers) indicate that the usermay have experienced a concussion or serious trauma, the wirelessearpieces 400 may generate and send a message to the wireless orcomputing device. The wireless earpieces 400 may have any number ofelectrical configurations, shapes, and colors and may include variouscircuitry, connections, and other components.

The components of the wireless earpieces 400 may be electricallyinterconnected utilizing any number of wires, contact points, leads,busses, wireless interfaces, or so forth. In addition, the wirelessearpieces 400 may include any number of computing and communicationscomponents, devices or elements which may include busses, motherboards,circuits, chips, sensors, ports, interfaces, cards, converters,adapters, connections, transceivers, displays, antennas, and othersimilar components.

The wireless earpieces 400 may also include physical interfaces (notshown) for connecting the wireless earpieces with other electronicdevices, components, or systems, such as a smart case or wirelessdevice. The physical interfaces may include any number of contacts,pins, arms, or connectors for electrically interfacing with the contactsor other interface components of external devices or other charging orsynchronization devices. For example, the physical interface may be amicro USB port. In one embodiment, the physical interface is a magneticinterface that automatically couples to contacts or an interface of thecomputing device. In another embodiment, the physical interface mayinclude a wireless inductor for charging the wireless earpieces 400without a physical connection to a charging device.

As originally packaged, the wireless earpieces 400 may includeperipheral devices such as charging cords, power adapters, inductivecharging adapters, solar cells, batteries, lanyards, additional lightarrays, speakers, smart case covers, transceivers (e.g., Wi-Fi,cellular, etc.), or so forth.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for performing radar measurements ofa user utilizing wireless earpieces in accordance with illustrativeembodiments. In one embodiment, the process of FIGS. 5-7 may beimplemented by one or more wireless earpieces worn by a user (e.g.,wireless earbuds, over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, etc.). Inanother embodiment, the wireless earpieces need not be worn to beutilized.

In one embodiment, the process begins by activating radar of thewireless earpieces (step 502). The radar may represent Doppler oroptical radar utilizing any number of signals (e.g., pulse, continuous,etc.). In one embodiment, the radar sensors or units of the wirelessearpieces may be activated whenever the wireless earpieces are turned on(e.g., not in a power save, low power, or charging mode). In otherembodiments, a specific function, application, user request, or otherautomated or manual process may initiate, power-on, or otherwiseactivate the radar of the wireless earpieces. In one embodiment, theradar sensors of the wireless earpieces worn in-ear may be positionedwithin the external auditory canal. In another embodiment, the radarsensors of the wireless earpieces may be integrated in headphones wornby the user and may read measurements from the user's ear, neck, head,or other portions of the body of the user.

Next, the wireless earpieces perform radar measurements of the user(step 504). Each of the wireless earpieces may include one or more radarsensors or units performing radar measurements. In one embodiment, eachradar unit may send a signal and receive back the reflections. Inanother embodiment, distinct radar units (whether within a singlewireless earpiece or utilized between the different wireless earpieces)may send radar signals and receive the reflections or echoes. In oneembodiment, the radar sensors may be directed toward one or moredifferent portions of the user's ear, head, or body.

Next, the wireless earpieces analyze the radar measurements (step 506).The radar measurements may be analyzed or otherwise processed by a logicengine or processor. In one embodiment, the radar measurements areutilized to determine pulsatile measurements, such as heart rate, changein heart rate, blood flow velocity, and so forth. The measurementsparameters may also include motion, such as rotation, displacement,deformation, acceleration, fluid-flow velocity, vortex sheddingPoiseulle's law of fluid flow, Navier Stoke's equations, and so forth.For example, the radar sensors may measure the displacement of vesselwalls. The radar sensors may measure the movement and volume of theresidual component of the external auditory canal. The measurements maybe detected in the received signal. The radar measurements may beconverted to data, information, values, graphics, charts, visuals, orother information that may be communicated audibly through the wirelessearpieces to a communications or computing devices. For example,biometric information, values, and data retrieved through analysis maybe communicated to the user. During step 506, the radar sensors maydetect changes in the received/reflected signal to determine amplitude,phase, phase angle and other applicable information (e.g., backscatteranalysis). The analysis may determine the position, location, andorientation of the user and the wireless earpieces relative to eachother and the user.

Next, the wireless earpieces generate pulsatile measurements based onthe radar measurements (step 508). The pulsatile measurements may relateto the operation of the heart/body of the user and may include extensivebiometric information. The biometric information may be generated fromeach of the wireless earpieces or may represent combined measurementsfrom multiple wireless earpieces including one or more radarsensors/units. The biometric information may include heart rate, heartrate variability, blood flow velocity, blood oxygenation, bloodpressure, stridor level, cerebral edema, respiration rate, excretionlevels, ear/face/body structure, and other user biometrics. For example,the radar sensors may detect any number of biometrics or conditionsassociated with blood flow or changes in blood flow. The wirelessearpieces may utilize any number of mathematical, signal processing,filtering, or other processes to generate the biometric information. Theradar sensors may be utilized in conjunction with accelerometers,gyroscopes, thermistors, optical sensors, magnetometers, pressuresensors, environmental sensors, microphones, and so forth.

Next, the wireless earpieces send one or more communications based onthe biometric information (step 510). The wireless earpieces maycommunicate the biometric information utilizing audible notices (e.g.,your heart rate variability is ______, your blood pressure is ______,etc.), sounds, alerts, tactile feedback, light emissions (e.g., LEDs,touch screens, etc.). The communications may be to the user wearing thewireless earpieces or to specified users and devices.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for generating alerts in response toexternal radar measurements performed by the wireless earpieces. In oneembodiment, the process of FIG. 6 may be implemented utilizing one ormore externally facing radar sensors/units within the wirelessearpieces. For example, the touch/gesture interface may include Dopplerradar sensors, LIDAR, TOF cameras, or other similar radar units. All orportions of the processes described in FIGS. 5 and 6 (as well as theother included Figures and description) may be combined in any order,step, or any potential iteration.

The process of FIG. 6 may begin by performing external radarmeasurements from the wireless earpieces (step 602). As previouslydescribed, the wireless earpieces may each include one or more internaland externally facing radar sensors. The radar sensors may be utilizedto protect the user and document incoming people or objects as well asassociated events, such as wrecks, crashes, collisions, contact,proximity alerts, near misses, and so forth. The external radar sensorsmay be fixedly positioned or may dynamically move toward a specificdirection utilizing any number of motors, actuators, and so forth.

Next, the wireless earpieces process the radar measurements (step 604).In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces may utilize internalprocessors, logic, circuits, or so forth to process the radarmeasurements. The radar sensors/units may also be configured todynamically adjust signals based on the conditions, user, environment,noise levels, and so forth and to correspondingly process the radarmeasurements. During step 604, the radar measurements may be processedfor communication or display by the wireless earpieces or any number ofother devices in communication with the wireless earpieces. For example,the radar measurements may include biometric readings, such as pulsatilemeasurements, wireless earpiece position, orientation, and motion (e.g.,relative to the user, each other, etc.).

During step 604, the wireless earpieces may determine whether there is acondition or event that should be communicated to the user/connecteddevice, logged, recorded, or streamed, or otherwise processed. In oneembodiment, user preferences, settings, parameters, thresholds,conditions, or other information may be utilized to determine whether anaction should be performed. For example, the radar sensors may determinethat the user may have fallen based on the detected motion of the user'shead, that a user is about to be struck by a vehicle (e.g., car,bicycle, etc.), that the user is proximate a wall or other object, orany number of other activities.

Next, the wireless earpieces generate one or more alerts orcommunications in response to the radar measurements (step 606). Thealerts or communications may also be communicated based on a userrequest, user preferences, or so forth. The alerts or communications mayrepresent alerts, messages, tactile feedback, sounds, or audiocommunicated by the wireless earpieces or text messages, in-appcommunications, streaming content, packets, or other alerts orcommunications sent from the wireless earpieces to any number of otherusers/devices (directly or indirectly).

Next, the wireless earpieces communicate the one or more alerts orcommunications (step 608). The one or more alerts or communications maybe sent directly (e.g., utilizing Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFMI, etc.), orthrough any number of networks or devices (e.g., Wi-Fi, LAN, cellularnetworks, cloud networks, mesh networks, etc.). In one embodiment, areceiving device may perform a specified activity based on the alert orcommunication. For example, a vehicle may prepare for a collision bytightening the seatbelts, braking, swerving, flashing lights, preparingor firing airbags, or so forth. In another example, the alert mayindicate to one or more designated parties that the user may have beeninjured (e.g., concussion, trauma, etc.). The wireless earpieces mayalso warn the user “watch out on your left” or any number of otherapplicable audio warnings. In one embodiment, the communications mayinclude a command or instruction to a connected device. For example, ahelmet worn by the user may cinch up or inflate one or more pouches/bagsin response to determining a collision may be imminent.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for performing radar measurements inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process may begin byperforming radar measurements (step 702). In one embodiment, the radarmeasurements are pulse based active radar measurements. The radarmeasurements may be focused at the user wearing the wireless earpieces.The radar measurements may also be applicable to the environment of theuser, people surrounding the user, and so forth. The measurements madeduring step 702 may represent initial measurements performed by thewireless earpieces. The radar sensors of the wireless earpieces may bebeneficial because of their insensitivity to ambient light, skinpigmentation, user contact/interaction, electronic/environmental noise,and so forth. In some embodiments, the radar sensors may be entirelyembedded within the wireless earpieces to shield the sensors fromsweat/bodily fluids, water, dirt, dust, particulates, and othermaterials.

In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces may perform Dopplermeasurements of blood flow, displacement of vessel walls, and/ormovement/volume of the residual component of the external auditorycanal. For example, the Doppler-frequency of the blood flow velocity maybe determined for detectable flow velocities. In one embodiment, theradar measurements may be utilized to identify the ear, head, or body ofthe user. For example, a unique radar signature (e.g., structure of theinner/outer ear, cheek, jaw bone, bone structure of the head, bodymusculature, etc.) may be associated with each user. The unique radarsignature may be saved as part of a user profile, settings, or otherbiometric information and may be utilized to subsequently identify orauthenticate the user for future usage of the wireless earpieces. Forexample, user authentication may be utilized to determine the features,functions, contacts, and other data that is available to the user basedon the authentication and authorizations that may be performed utilizingthe radar signature determined during step 702. In another embodiment,the radar measurements may also determine where the wireless earpiecesare being worn, stored, or so forth. For example, the radar measurementsmay determine placement in an ear of the user, placed on adesk/counter/surface, charging in a smart charger, or so forth.

Next, the wireless earpieces measure detected changes in the radarmeasurements (step 704). The changes may be utilized to determinechanges in the biometrics of the user, environmental conditions, and soforth. The changes may measure changes in amplitude, phase, detectedphase angle, and other aspects of the received or reflected signal. Thebiometrics of the user may include pulse rate, heart rate variability,blood flow velocity, blood pressure, pulse oximetry (SpO2), respirationrate, Stridor level, cerebral edema, and other central nervous system(CNS) acute phenomena). For example, changes in blood flow may changethe radar signature of the user being measured as compared to baselineparameters.

Next, the wireless earpieces perform analysis of the measurements andchanges to generate results (step 706). The analysis of the measurementsmay include an amplitude of the received signals. For example, thewireless earpieces may utilize backscatter from the active signals. Thewireless earpieces may measure amplitude, phase (e.g., offset,difference, angle, etc.), and other information of the received signals.The results may indicate the location of the user, proximity to users,buildings, or other objects, location of a paired or associated device(e.g., position, orientation, distances, etc.), motion relative to theuser, buildings, or other objects, and so forth. For example, distances,relative motion, and orientation between paired devices, such as thewireless earpieces and a cell phone or a wireless headset and a tabletmay be determined.

The analysis may include combining multiple sensor measurements. Forexample, sensor measurements from accelerometers, thermistors, opticalsensors, photoreceptors, magnetometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors,environmental nanoparticle sensors, and any number of sensors.

Next, the wireless earpieces communicate the results to one or moreusers (step 708). The results may be played, displayed, or otherwisecommunicated to the user of the wireless earpieces or one or moredesignated users, devices, systems, equipment, interfaces, websites,servers, or so forth. The user preferences or other information mayspecify how, when, and where the results are communicated.

A system, method, and wireless earpieces are provided for performingradar measurements. The radar sensors of the wireless earpieces may beinternally or externally directed. Any number of pulse, pattern, active,passive, or continuous signal radar systems may be utilized. The radarsensors may be utilized to measure a physiological parameter from whichinformation, such as hear rate based on the movement (displacement) ofblood within the veins, arteries, tissues, or skin of the user's ear.The radar sensors may also measure the movement or displacement of thevessel walls, movement of the residual component of the externalauditory canal, and so forth. The radar measurements may be effectiveeven in the presence of sweat, water, dirt, dust, or during strenuousphysical activities.

In one embodiment, the wireless earpieces may utilize radar measurementsto determine their relative location to other devices (e.g., paired,associated, communicating electronic devices, detectable, etc.), theuser, structures, objects, or so forth.

The features, steps, and components of the illustrative embodiments maybe combined in any number of ways and are not limited specifically tothose described. In particular, the illustrative embodiments contemplatenumerous variations in the smart devices and communications described.The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustivelist or limit any of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Itis contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects areconsidered included in the disclosure. The description is merelyexamples of embodiments, processes or methods of the invention. It isunderstood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additionsmay be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of thedisclosure. For the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosureaccomplishes at least all of the intended objectives.

The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodimentsfor implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting inscope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of theinvention disclosed with greater particularity.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless earpiece, comprising: an earpiecehousing for fitting in an ear of a user; a processor controllingfunctionality of the wireless earpiece; a plurality of sensors performsensor measurements of the user, wherein the plurality of sensorsinclude one or more radar sensors; a transceiver capable ofcommunicating with at least a wireless device; wherein the processoractivates the one or more radar sensors to perform radar measurements,and analyzes the radar measurements to determine pulsatile measurementsassociated with the user; wherein the one or more radar sensors includean internally facing radar sensor and an externally facing radar sensorand wherein the internally facing radar sensor is positioned forperforming the radar measurements used to determine the pulsatilemeasurements associated with the user and wherein the externally facingradar sensor is positioned for determining user gestures.
 2. Thewireless earpiece of claim 1, wherein the processor compares a baselineradar signature of the user with a radar signature read by the one ormore radar sensors to identify the user.
 3. The wireless earpiece ofclaim 1, wherein the pulsatile measurements include one or more of heartrate, heart rate variability, blood flow velocity, blood pressure, andrespiration rate.
 4. The wireless earpiece of claim 1, wherein theprocessor isolates a Doppler frequency of a blood flow velocity from acomposite signal represented by the radar measurements.
 5. The wirelessearpiece of 1, wherein the processor determines the motion of thewireless earpiece, and positioning of the wireless earpiece relative toa head of the user.
 6. A wireless earpiece, comprising: an earpiecehousing adapted to fit into an ear of a user; a processor for executinga set of instructions, the processor disposed within the earpiecehousing; at least one radar sensor operatively connected to theprocessor; a memory operatively connected to the processor for storingthe set of instructions, wherein the instructions are executed to:activate one or more of the at least one radar sensors of the wirelessearpieces, perform radar measurements of the user, and analyze the radarmeasurements to determine pulsatile measurements associated with theuser; wherein the at least one radar sensor includes an internallyfacing radar sensor and an externally facing radar sensor and whereinthe internally facing radar sensor is positioned for performing theradar measurements used to determine the pulsatile measurementsassociated with the user and wherein the externally facing radar sensoris positioned for determining user gestures.
 7. The wireless earpiece ofclaim 6 wherein the pulsatile measurements are blood velocitymeasurements.
 8. The wireless earpiece of claim 7 wherein the processorisolates a Doppler frequency of a blood flow velocity from a compositesignal represented by the radar measurements in determining the bloodvelocity measurements.